Main purpose of job:

The Health & Safety Officer will lead the British Embassy Addis Ababa on all compliance checks and documentation compilation in order to be fully compliant with UK Health and Safety and Fire standards for both the office and residential properties.  The Health & Safety Officer will be responsible for ensuring all scheduled checks are conducted timely and well documented in the Post Compliance Assessment process whilst also proactively supporting all staff with H&S and fire safety issues and awareness.  They will work closely with the Estates Manager on Health and Safety Communication Programmes and will work closely with the Technical Works Officers.  The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring the Embassy complies active role in the Post Capture Data (PCD) process, where activity to ensure compliance across the estate is recorded, and proactively supporting everyone with Health and Safety and Fires Safety issues and awareness.  The job holder will also support the Health and Safety Committee, the Fire Safety Committee and Ambassador to ensure compliance across the Embassy. 

Roles and responsibilities:

Supported by the Corporate Services Manager responsible for Estates and Health and Safety, Technical Works supervisors, Regional Technical Lead, Director and Deputy Directors of Corporate Services, lead on all aspects of H&S and Fire Safety in the Embassy including residential properties.

• Ensure that all H&S and Fire Safety policies, procedures, rules and regulations are adhered to and are regularly reviewed, updated and communicated.
• Ensure Post meets its statutory obligations in all areas pertaining to H&S and Fire Safety, including recommended mandatory training and reporting.
• Ensure that all accidents are documented, investigated and recommended improvements implemented.
• Ensure that safety inspections are carried out, fire drills and fire alarms are correctly reported, safety inspections, risk assessments and lone working procedures are managed and employees are aware of their responsibilities.
• Co-ordinate the development of H&S and Fire Safety policies, systems of work and procedures.
• Maintain a full programme of documented H&S and Fire Safety inspections, audits and checks.
• Maintain a structured programme of H&S and Fire Safety training throughout Post.  Lead and coordinating H&S {First aid} and Fire warden training with local as well as UK trainers as needed.
• Play an active role in the One HMG Platform Board leading H&S and Fire Safety issues, ensuring all agreed action points are completed within deadlines.
• Keep up to date with all aspects of relevant H&S and Fire Safety and communicate relevant changes to stakeholders.
• Provide regular reports to the One HMG Platform Board on relevant health and safety activities.
• Liaise with suppliers for procurement of H&S and Fire Safety resources.
• In carrying out the above ensure the PCD is updated and issues identified by the Technical Works Officer are actioned within agreed timeframes.
• Lead in coordinating any H&S and Fire Safety related visits.
• Escorting of contractors on site, both at the office and at residential properties to ensure that they are operating in full compliance with UK health and safety standards.
• Risk assessment and management, that includes conducting a risk assessment when needed and evaluating risk assessment done by staff for final approval.
• Lead and manage performance of a team of 7 cleaning staff.
• Any other duties, which may be required by management from time to time.

This role is a new one for the Embassy and reflects the importance the Ambassador and Senior Leadership Team place on ensuring the Embassy is a safe place for all. With a large and complex estate, including technical workshops, heavy machinery and a 87 acre compound, the job holder will need to quickly get to know the key areas of focus and design action plans to address these.  You will also need to have a good eye for detail and be organised, using technology as needed to monitor progress and track areas for improvement. 

The successful candidate should hold a relevant qualification in Health and Safety or Fire Safety (ideally UK accredited) and be willing to obtain further qualifications.   They will have a proven background in successfully generating, monitoring, and achieving Health and Safety and or Fire Safety objectives.  They will be an excellent Communicator with great influencing skills, able to build exceptional working relationships across all levels. 

Resources managed:

• H&S and Fire Safety Budget, in partnership with the Technical Works Group
• Line manage 7 members of the cleaning team

• Experience of working in a Health and Safety or Fire Safety role.
• Experience of working in a building or facilities management environment.
• Ability to be proactive, work in a fast-paced environment, manage own time and prioritise effectively.
• Confidence to put forward own views, challenge others and remain resilient.
• Be a good team player and support others.
• Experience of administrative work, record keeping and a working knowledge of all Microsoft applications.
• Valid driving license.

Language requirements: 

Language: English

Level of language required: Fluent written and spoken English